Vice Ganda twits Deniece on 'Showtime'

ABS-CBN News

MANILA - "It's Showtime" mainstay Vice Ganda on Saturday made an apparent jab at model Deniece Cornejo, whose group is tagged in the controversial mauling of his co-host on the program, actor Vhong Navarro.

Vice Ganda mentioned "Deniece" as he interviewed "That's My Tomboy" grand finalist Phao Faraon during the segment's question-and-answer portion. He asked Faraon, who went on to finish runner-up, a question he categorized as "current events."

Navarro, who is still recovering from the attack last January 22, claimed in an interview on "Buzz ng Bayan" that he visited Cornejo in her condominium unit in Taguig upon her invitation.

He detailed the events leading up to the mauling incident, including receiving a text message from Cornejo asking him to buy her some food before coming over.

Cornejo has since accused Navarro of rape, formalizing the complaint last Wednesday. In her affidavit, the 22-year-old claimed that the actor forced her to perform oral sex on him and tried to insert his penis in her vagina, but was "rescued" by businessman Cedric Lee and his group.

Navarro has denied attempting to rape Cornejo and claimed that he was a victim of extortion. He said he was blindfolded and tied up before being attacked by at least six men including Lee.